Health/Fitness Achievements
What have you done?

"Geezer" to Athlete—Success Story
At the age of 54, Toby Widdicombe is a very regular kind of person and a self-proclaimed "geezer." He loves Kaladi's coffee; dark chocolate (especially in winter); reading detective novels (especially Ruth Rendell's Wexford series); and he thinks Clapton's "Layla" is the best rock song ever written.

"If I'm unusual in any way it is that I am what the English call "bloody minded," which is to say very determined. I think what stops people from exercising is the assumption that only special people do it. I'm proof that isn't true!

Before and After
Before I started exercising, I routinely multitasked and occupied my time with activities designed to require outside validation. I did not give myself time to reflect on my place in the world. Since I have started exercising, I have more patience and tolerance, less stress, and feel happier.

Even Toby's wellness consultant has noticed a difference, "I can tell that Toby has a new sense of confidence," she said.

Running
Toby's exercise of choice is running. "I love running because (I think) of the metronomic right/left pounding of my feet," he said. "I also came to running from admiring international marathoners and from literature (House Made of Dawn and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner).

Ambition
His admiration turned into ambition. He now runs about 15 races each summer. His plan, aside from running the Boston Marathon, is to run a race in all 50 states and on every continent. Running a 12K in under an hour, a 10K in under 45 minutes, and completing a marathon at any speed is a lifestyle accomplishment that makes him proud!

Success
Toby attributes part of his success to the Individualized Health Planning Sessions (IHPs) and Get the Point (GTP) Wellness Incentive Campaign. "[Participation in the programs] keeps me honest. I don't want to disappoint my consultant."

You can do it!
Ordinary people can do extraordinary actions. It just takes motivation and a desire to change. If you need help with either, remember that registration for IHPs begins September 1. (Sessions start October 5.) The incentive portion of GTP starts up again February 1, 2010, but you can track your activity year-round.

Don't forget to let us know when you've done something that makes you proud. We'll add your name and accomplishment to the Health Link.